Ultralight Hydration Pack

ABSTRACT

This application describes a hydration pack suitable for use while engaging in a prolonged physical activity such as running. The hydration pack is configured to be worn on the upper leg of a user and includes an adjustable-height hydration vessel receptacle.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a non-provisional application claiming thebenefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) from commonly owned andco-pending U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/701,821 filed onSep. 17, 2012 and entitled “Hydration Pack,” and U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 61/751,886 filed on Jan. 13, 2013 and entitled“Athletic Hydration Pack,” the entire contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference into this disclosure as if set forth fullyherein.

FIELD

This application relates to an athletic hydration pack and in particulara hydration pack suitable to be worn on the leg of a user.

BACKGROUND

It is commonly known that people who engage in prolonged exerciseactivity need to keep themselves hydrated with water or other suitablehydration beverages. Certain activities, such as running, hiking, andbiking, surfing, and paddleboarding require participants to bring theirown hydration supply with them. This can be a challenge as hydrationsupplies and the equipment necessary to transport it can be heavy,bulky, and uncomfortable for the user. This is especially true forrunners, as they have to wear the hydration supply at all times whileengaging in an activity that causes substantial movement of any packsthey may be wearing.

Previous hydration packs for runners have been typically designed sothat the hydration supply rests on the hips or lower back of the user,with the rationale being that the additional weight is best borne insuch a position. This configuration has drawbacks, however, in thatsubstantial jostling of the pack and hydration supply occurs due to themovement associated with running This can cause discomfort for the userin terms of chafing and uneven weight distribution. Furthermore, heatbuildup can be a problem with hydration supplies that are positioned atthe waist or lower back.

Other activities, such as standup paddleboarding, present differentchallenges to the location of a hydration pack. Standup paddleboardingis an activity that may be performed at a somewhat leisurely pace (asopposed to surfing, which is a more vigorous pace), yet requires theparticipant to maintain his balance on the paddleboard while propellinghimself across the water. For this reason, a hydration pack positionedon one's back may be difficult and awkward to access while engaged inthe activity.

Traditionally, hydration supply vessels come in two main forms: bottlesand pouches. Bottles are easy to fill, can be removed by hand, and areeasy to clean. On the other hand, they are also bulky and rigid, whichcan be uncomfortable when worn. Pouches have the advantage of being softand pliable, but are difficult to clean and must be used with ahydration tube. In either case, however, bottles and pouches worn at thehip or lower back will experience substantial jostling while the user isrunning. Even contents in a traditional backpack will experiencesignificant side-to-side sway during use.

Another drawback with the traditional bottle-based packs is that thebottles are typically difficult to remove from and replace into thebottle holders. Because of the placement on the body and theaforementioned jostling of the bottles, the tension required to keep thebottle stable within the bottle holders during use is significant. Thismakes it more difficult for the user to access the bottle while engagedin any activity, and especially challenging to replace the bottle whilerunning or while trying to maintain one's balance. However, less tensionmight allow the bottles to fall out of the holders during activity.

The hydration pack described herein is directed towards overcoming theshortcomings of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

By way of example only, the hydration pack described herein is providedas a single-bottle configuration. Other configurations are possible,(including but not limited to) multi-bottle configurations and bladderconfigurations (both single and multiple). The hydration pack includes apack body, first and second upper attachment straps, first and secondlower attachment straps, a hydration vessel retention system, and avertical attachment strap. The first and second upper attachment strapsare positioned opposite one another on the top portion of the pack body,with the first upper attachment strap attached to the first side and thesecond upper attachment strap attached to the second side. The first andsecond lower attachment straps are positioned opposite one another onthe bottom portion of the pack body, with the first lower attachmentstrap attached to the first side and the second lower attachment strapattached to the second side. Each of the first and second upperattachment straps and the first and second lower attachment strapsextend laterally away from the pack body (relative to the verticalmidline of the pack body). The first and second upper attachment strapswork in concert to secure the upper portion of the pack body to aportion of the user, for example a user's upper leg. Similarly, thefirst and second lower attachment straps work in concert to secure thelower portion of the pack body to a portion of the user. A verticalattachment strap is attached to the top portion and extends away fromthe pack body along the midline, and is configured to attach to a waistbelt (for example) to help prevent the pack from sliding down the user'sleg during use.

The pack body has one or more secure storage areas configured to holdpersonal items. By way of example, the hydration pack described hereinincludes a single secure storage area. The secure storage area may beprovided in any size and shape suitable to securely hold one or more ofthe user's larger personal items, for example including but not limitedto one or more keys, wallet, money pouch, identification, music player,and the like. By way of example only, the secure storage area describedherein includes a zippered pocket formed out of solid material that isaccessed from the side. A second zipper may be included to providezippered access from either side of the pocket. The secure storage areamay also include a key clip to attach one or more keys.

The hydration vessel retention system is configured to securely hold ahydration vessel while allowing for easy insertion and removal of thehydration vessel during use. The hydration vessel may be any type ofcontainer capable of securely holding liquid, including but not limitedto a bottle or pouch. For the purpose of illustration, the hydrationpack described herein is configured to receive a bottle-type hydrationvessel. The hydration vessel retention system is positioned along themidline of the pack body.

The hydration vessel retention system includes a generally funnel-shapedopening that improves the efficiency at which the user is able to insertand remove the hydration vessel. By way of example only, the hydrationvessel retention system includes a tension band positioned between innerand outer sleeves. The tension band creates an opening with a diameterthat is smaller than the top opening created by the outer and innersleeves. The result is a funnel-shaped opening that is not under tensionbut that will guide the vessel into the tension band. The end result isa hydration vessel retention system that allows for easy, one-handedinsertion and removal of a hydration vessel while the user is engaged inactivity.

The hydration vessel retention system includes a height adjustmentmechanism including a strap extending below the outer and inner sleevesand configured to receive and hold a hydration vessel. The heightadjustment mechanism may be manipulated by a user to accommodatedifferent sized hydration vessels. The height adjustment mechanism mayattach to the pack body by way of any mechanism suitable for easyadjustment by a user, for example including but not limited to hook andloop fasteners, snaps, buttons, and the like.

In another example, the hydration pack may be provided with a knifeattachment for example in place of one of the zippers. The knifeattachment may include at least one or more secure straps to securelyhold a knife in place within an outer pocket.

The hydration pack example shown and described herein has a singlehydration vessel retention system, however multiple such systems arepossible without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Forexample, the hydration pack may be provided with a pair of hydrationvessel retention systems situated in a side-by-side orientation. Stillother configurations are possible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many advantages of the present invention will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art with a reading of this specification in conjunctionwith the attached drawings, wherein like reference numerals are appliedto like elements and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a hydration pack according to one exampleembodiment; and

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the hydration pack of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described below. In theinterest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation aredescribed in this specification. It will of course be appreciated thatin the development of any such actual embodiment, numerousimplementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve thedevelopers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related andbusiness-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation toanother. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effortmight be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routineundertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit ofthis disclosure. The hydration pack disclosed herein boasts a variety ofinventive features and components that warrant patent protection, bothindividually and in combination.

FIGS. 1-2 of the present application illustrate one example of ahydration pack 10 suitable for wearing on a user's leg while engaging inactivity, such as standup paddleboarding, surfing, or skiing By way ofexample, the hydration pack 10 described herein is provided as asingle-bottle configuration. Other configurations are possible withinthe scope of this disclosure, (including but not limited to)multi-bottle configurations and bladder configurations (both single andmultiple). Referring to FIG. 1, the hydration pack 10 includes a packbody 12, first and second upper attachment straps 14, 15, first andsecond lower attachment straps 16, 17, a hydration vessel retentionsystem 18, and a vertical attachment strap 19. The pack body 12 includesa top portion 20, a bottom portion 22, and first and second sides 24,26, respectively. The first and second upper attachment straps 14, 15are positioned opposite one another on the top portion 20 of the packbody 12, with the first upper attachment strap 14 attached to the firstside 24 and the second upper attachment strap 15 attached to the secondside 26. The first and second lower attachment straps 16, 17 arepositioned opposite one another on the bottom portion 22 of the packbody 12, with the first lower attachment strap 16 attached to the firstside 24 and the second lower attachment strap 17 attached to the secondside 26. Each of the first and second upper attachment straps 14, 15 andthe first and second lower attachment straps 16, 17 extend laterallyaway from the pack body 12 (relative to the vertical midline M of thepack body 12). The vertical attachment strap 19 is attached to the topportion 20 and extends away from the pack body 12 along the midline M.

The pack body 12 is provided with one or more secure storage areasconfigured to hold personal items. By way of example, the hydration pack10 described herein includes a single secure storage area, howevermultiple secure storage areas are possible. The secure storage area 28may be provided in any size and shape suitable to securely hold one ormore of the user's larger personal items, for example including but notlimited to one or more keys, wallet, money pouch, identification, andthe like. By way of example only, the secure storage area 28 describedherein includes a receptacle and a security feature 30. The receptaclecomprises a pocket formed out of solid material that is accessed fromthe side. The security feature 30 may include any device or mechanismthat ensures the personal items in the receptacle will not fall out ofthe secure storage area 28. For example, the security feature 30 shownin FIG. 1 comprises a zipper. Other security features are possible,however, including (but not limited to) buttons, snaps, and hook andloop fastener (e.g. Velcro). As shown by way of example, the securestorage area 28 may be provided with a second security feature 30 toallow for secure access from either side of the storage area 28. This isadvantageous to allow equal access for any user regardless of theirdominant handedness, and regardless of which leg the pack is worn on.

The first and second upper attachment straps 14, 15 work in concert tosecure the upper portion of the pack body 12 to a portion of the user,for example a user's upper leg. To achieve this, the first and secondupper attachment straps 14, 15 each extend around the user's leg andsecurely engage one another on the side of the leg that is opposite thepack body 12. The secure engagement may be achieved by any possiblemechanism that is both comfortable and secure, for example including butnot limited to hook and loop fastener, buttons, snaps, and clips (withat least one strap being adjustable in length). The hydration pack 10shown by way of example only in FIGS. 1 and 2 is provided with a hookand loop fastener to secure the straps. Thus for example, the firstupper attachment strap 14 may be provided with a hook patch 32 and thesecond upper attachment strap 15 may be provided with a loop patch 34(or vice versa), so that when the hook patch 34 contacts the loop patch36 the straps are securely engaged to one another. The first and secondlower attachment straps 16, 17 work in concert to secure the lowerportion of the pack body to a portion of the user, for example a user'slower leg. The first and second lower attachment straps 16, 17 areconfigured in the same way and operated in the same manner as the firstand second upper attachment straps 14, 15 such that repeat descriptionis unnecessary. The vertical attachment strap 19 is configured to attachto a waist belt (for example) to prevent the pack from sliding down auser's leg during use. This attachment may be accomplished by anypossible mechanism that is both comfortable and secure, for exampleincluding but not limited to a hook and loop fastener, buttons, snaps,and clips.

The hydration vessel retention system 18 is configured to securely holda hydration vessel while allowing for easy insertion and removal of thehydration vessel during use. By way of example only, the hydrationvessel may be any type of container capable of securely holding liquid,including but not limited to a bottle or pouch. For the purpose ofillustration, the hydration pack 10 described herein is configured toreceive a bottle-type hydration vessel. The hydration vessel retentionsystem 18 is positioned along the midline M of the pack body 12. In a2-vessel configuration (not shown), a pair of hydration vessel retentionsystems 18 would be situated side-by-side on either side of the midlineM.

The hydration vessel retention system 18 described herein is configuredto receive a bottle-type hydration vessel. The hydration vesselretention system 18 is attached to the pack body 12 forming areceptacle, and includes an outer sleeve 36, an inner sleeve, asemi-rigid insert, a tension band, and a height adjustment mechanism 38.The inner sleeve is provided (by way of example only) as a mesh sleevewhile the outer sleeve 36 is of solid fabric construction. Thesemi-rigid insert is positioned between the outer sleeve and innersleeve and is configured to give the hydration vessel retention system18 its shape. By way of example, the semi-rigid insert is composed ofpolyethylene terephthalate (PET), however other materials are possible.The semi-rigid insert is generally cylindrical in shape but has an upperportion that tapers radially outward to give a slight funnel shape tothe upper portion of the hydration vessel retention system 18. Thetension band is positioned between the inner sleeve and semi-rigidinsert and is pre-tensioned to be able to snugly receive the hydrationvessel therein. The tension band is made from a stretch web materialthat is more durable, longer lasting, and more rigid than elastic. Thetension band is vertically offset from the top of the inner sleeve at anadvantageous pinch point, and the diameter of the receptacle defined bythe tension band is less than the diameter of the receptacle defined bythe top portion of the semi-rigid insert. Thus, the upper portion of thehydration vessel retention system 18 is tapered such that it forms afunnel shape. This funnel shape improves the efficiency at which theuser is able to insert and remove the hydration vessel. The heightadjustment mechanism 38 includes a strap extending below the outer andinner sleeves and is configured to receive and hold a hydration vessel.The height adjustment mechanism may 38 be adjusted by a user toaccommodate differently sized hydration vessels. The height adjustmentmechanism 38 may attach to the pack body 12 by way of any mechanismsuitable for easy adjustment by a user, for example including but notlimited to hook and loop fasteners, snaps, buttons, and the like.

The hydration pack 10 example shown and described herein has a singlehydration vessel retention system 18, however multiple such systems arepossible without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Forexample, the hydration pack 10 may be provided with a pair of hydrationvessel retention systems 18 situated in a side-by-side orientation.Still other configurations are possible.

In another example, the hydration pack 10 may be provided with a knifeattachment for example in place of one of the zippers 30. The knifeattachment may include at least one or more secure straps to securelyhold a knife in place within an outer pocket.

The hydration pack 10 shown and described herein by way of example ismade of nylon materials. Other durable lightweight fabrics such asneoprene are possible without departing from the scope of thedisclosure.

While the inventive features described herein have been described interms of a preferred embodiment for achieving the objectives, it will beappreciated by those skilled in the art that variations may beaccomplished in view of these teachings without deviating from thespirit or scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A pack configured to be worn on a user's legwhile exercising, comprising: a pack body including a front face, a backface, a top portion, a bottom portion, a first side, and a second side,the pack body including at least one sealable receptacle positioned onthe front face, the pack body further including a first upper adjustmentstrap attached to the first side of the top portion of the pack body, asecond upper adjustment strap attached to the second side of the topportion of the pack body, a first lower adjustment strap attached to thefirst side of the bottom portion of the pack body, and a second loweradjustment strap attached to the second side of the bottom portion ofthe pack body, the first and second upper adjustment straps configuredto engage one another to secure the top portion of the pack body to auser, the first and second lower adjustment straps configured to engageone another to secure the bottom portion of the pack body to a user; avertical attachment strap extending vertically from the top portion andconfigured to adjustably attach to a waist strap worn by the user; atleast one hydration vessel retention system configured to receive andsecurely retain a hydration vessel, the hydration vessel retentionsystem including an outer sleeve, a semi-rigid insert, and a tensionband, the semi-rigid insert having a tapered funnel shape including afirst portion having a first diameter and a second portion having asecond diameter, the first diameter being greater than the seconddiameter.
 2. The pack of claim 1, wherein the sealable receptacleincludes a security feature.
 3. The pack of claim 2, wherein thesecurity feature comprises at least one of a zipper, buttons, snaps, andhook and loop fastener.
 4. The pack of claim 1, wherein the first andsecond upper adjustment straps releasably mate with one another by oneof a hook and loop fastener, snap, and button.
 5. The pack of claim 1,wherein the first and second lower adjustment straps releasably matewith one another by one of a hook and loop fastener, snap, and button.6. The pack of claim 1, wherein the vertical adjustment strap releasablymates with the waist belt by one of a hook and loop fastener, snap, andbutton.
 7. The pack of claim 1, wherein the hydration vessel retentionsystem further includes an adjustment element for adjusting the heightof the retention system.
 8. The pack of claim 7, wherein the adjustmentelement comprises a strap releaseably attached to the outer sleeve. 9.The pack of claim 8, wherein the adjustment element is releaseablyattached to the outer sleeve by one of a hook and loop fastener, snap,and button.
 10. The pack of claim 1, wherein the hydration vesselcomprises a bottle.